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Since getting the mechanical tail, Jane's life became a little easier. She could run faster, react quicker, and practiced with her tail every day. Now, she could outrun the thugs and use her tail as a weapon to defend herself.
At the same time, Jane had not encountered Bliko again. Like this, Jane survived in this dangerous city. She also realized that studying could help her get better jobs.
So, Jane secretly started going to school. She would sneak outside the classroom and learn how to write and read. But since she lived near the trash bins, the guards would often chase her away.
Luckily, the teacher Jane learned from said that Jane was the one delivering breakfast to her. From that point on, Jane had a new job every morning.
Instead of going to work, she would run to the school, receive money from the teacher, buy breakfast for her, and then keep the change. She would still stay outside to learn secretly.
By the time she was 7, Jane had mastered reading, writing, and basic math. At the same time, Jane had also improved her house. But… she forgot one thing: the house upgrades caught the thugs' attention.
One night, when Jane returned and went to sleep, suddenly, the plank covering the entrance was lifted, revealing four thugs outside.
Thug 1: Oh, look what we have here~ Thug 2: Anyone else feeling a little irritated today? How about we relieve some stress? Thugs 1, 3, 4: GREAT IDEA! Hahahahaha
Their laughter was inhuman, twisted, and creepy. They pulled Jane out, but she kicked one of them in the face and sprang back. Her tail stood up straight, and her ears, usually drooping, were now perked up.
Thug 1, holding his jaw, spoke:
Thug 1: Oh, looks like we've got a strong little rat here! But that only makes us more excited.
She kicked them again and leapt away. Her tail stood like a spear, ready to pierce anything. Her ears, usually low, were now upright, her body taut like a bowstring. One thug held his bleeding jaw, spitting blood.
Thug 1: Oh, a strong little rat indeed! But that only makes us... more interested.
One thug lunged forward. Jane swiftly kicked horizontally, but he caught her leg.
BAM!
A strong hook punch landed on Jane's head, making her vision blur for a moment. She collapsed onto the cold cement floor, but her tail immediately reacted, whipping across like a steel whip.
SWISH!
A streak of blood sprayed from the arm of the thug who hit her. He staggered back, growling.
Thug 2: You little bitch!
Jane tried to get up to run, but before she could get any momentum, another thug grabbed her leg and yanked her back.
THUD!
She was slammed hard onto the ground, her back hitting the sharp edges of broken tiles. The air was forced out of her lungs. Her vision swam. Her tail curled protectively around her, but it was too late. She was kicked, punched, and beaten mercilessly. The blows came relentlessly, as if they wanted to crush her into dust.
She curled up, trying to endure, but the strength of a 7-year-old girl was gradually fading.
Thug 3: Hold on, guys!
Thug 4: What?
Thug 3 (licking his lips): This little girl... she's not bad. Pale skin, nice figure. I'm telling you, she's worth playing with a bit~
Thug 4: You always think with your lower brain! But... yeah, you're right...
They all laughed loudly, closing in on Jane with dirty, lecherous eyes...
What followed was a horrifying experience for Jane. They assaulted her, groped, bit, and licked. She wanted to cry, but they covered her mouth.
BANG!
A gunshot echoed, and a police officer stepped forward.
Officer: Hey! Stop right there, or I'll shoot!
Thug 2: Oh, you think I'll listen to you? Honestly, I don't think you'll dare, but we sure will.
They all laughed again, but then...
BANG!
Thug 2 was shot in the head.
Officer: Sorry, but I'm tired of this damn city!
The three remaining thugs realized things weren't looking good and immediately ran off.
The officer rushed over to Jane, picked her up, and took her to his car, driving her to the station. Jane, dazed, witnessed everything before passing out.
When Jane woke up, she found herself treated and bandaged. She quietly went to the emergency exit, but when she heard a click, she froze, quickly crawling back under the bed.
The officer came in, bent down. He didn't pull, didn't shout, just softly spoke.
Officer: Hello, my name is Robert. I don't mean any harm.
Jane: You won't?
Tears welled up in Jane's eyes from fear.
Robert: Of course not. Have you eaten yet?
Jane: I had a piece of bread...
But the growl in Jane's stomach betrayed her lie. Robert went to the kitchen and made her a bowl of noodles. Jane's mouth watered, and Robert placed the bowl in the middle of the room before jumping on the bed so Jane couldn't see him anymore.
Jane crawled out slowly and sat to eat. It tasted so good that she forgot all her guard. Her tail wagged happily, and Robert pounced, pulling Jane into a hug.
Her tail stood upright, tense and thrashing, but it was useless.
Robert: Calm down, calm down. Everything will be okay...
After a while, Jane finally relaxed.
Robert: So, what's your name? How old are you?
Jane: My name is Jane. I'm 7 years old.
Robert hugged Jane tighter.
Robert: Wow... What a coincidence... My daughter was about your age when she... was taken by this damn city.
Jane: ...
Jane sat silently, unsure of how to respond or what to do.
Robert: ... How about... I adopt you?
Jane looked up, her eyes filled with tears of happiness. Robert adopted her, and to ensure Jane's safety, the two left the city to live in another one.
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